Attractions

South Loch Ness offers an excellent range of shops, restaurants and other attractions. The list below contains something for everyone.

Northern Lights

The Highlands are far enough north to witness spectacular northern lights (or aurora) and are sometimes bathed in high activity flows from Scandinavia. Our dark skies make it an excellent place to view this amazing display - but there’s a great deal of luck involved in observing it. Find a good vantage point and make sure you’re looking north is a good start, and keep tabs on the many aurora apps and websites that will alert you to incoming solar activity. Getting out there as often as possible is the main thing and setting up a wee observing camp is a fun thing to do - an old deck chair, picnic rug and plenty of warm chocolate to sip on is all you really need.

The Dores Inn

Enjoy the spectacular view down Loch Ness.

A more welcome sight you will never see. As you approach Dores from Inverness, the first thing you see is a spectacular view of Loch Ness, and the second, as you near Loch Ness, is The Dores Inn situated on the shore of the Loch.

On a cold day you can relax by the cosy log fire and enjoy lunch or dinner from a varied menu of home cooked food. On a nice day you can sit out by Loch Ness, with a wee dram to catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie or more likely, just to see the beautiful loch view followed perhaps by a stroll along Dores beach. It is advisable to book in advance for meals, as the restaurant is very popular and consequently does get full up. Large selection of Malt whiskies and fine wines available.

Foyers Stores

Foyers stores and Post Office is a traditional Village Store that is well stocked with essential Groceries, Daily Newspapers, Dairy Produce, Confectionery and Tobacco. The shop also has an Off Licence and Lottery terminal. Other goods available include: Ice Cream; Cold Drinks; Fishing Tackle; Souvenirs; Postcards; over the counter Medicines; Household Cleaning Products. There are regular deliveries of sensibly priced, quality meats† supplied by the award winning butcher 'Grants of Speyside’ and Fruit & Veg† by Williamson’s of Inverness (locally sourced where possible).

† Ordering facility available.

Moray Firth Dolphins

The wild and unpolluted seas are more than just a blue backdrop to fine scenery - they offer a good chance to see wildlife such as whales, dolphins and most commonly, seals. The bottlenosed dolphins of the Moray Firth are perhaps the most famous cetacean species in the northern waters – it is estimated that there are approximately 130 dolphins in the pod.

Chanonry Point, between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle is reputed to be the best place to see dolphins from the shore.

South Loch Ness Heritage Group

he South Loch Ness Heritage Group was set up in 2003 with the following in mind:

To research, promote and safeguard the heritage of the South Loch Ness Area.

In particular, to create an archive of the Area, and to collate material for publication, exhibition and education.

Due to the rate of change these objectives have never been so important, or, with the technology now available, so attainable. Our area is rich with a history and natural history second to none within Scotland. To some degree, both are under threat.

Inverfarigaig

Various Woodland walks With Spectacular Loch Ness Views

There are a number of officially Forestry Commission marked paths through woodlands in the hills around the South Loch Ness village of Inverfarigaig. All paths start from the Forestry Commission car park in Inverfarigaig.

Duration: 1-2 hours (various)

Length: Approx. 1-4km (various)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, some moderate climbs, good woodland paths. Some mud.

Wildlife

South Loch Ness is a haven for wildlife. There is of course what you'd expect in the Scottish Highlands, deer, red squirrels and pine martens, but there's a host of other animals, birds and insects to discover in the natural beauty and rural tranquility of South Loch Ness

Wild Flowers

Scottish Wildflower light up the South Side of Loch Ness in an array of
colour from spring until autumn. A surprising variety of wild flowering
plants and ferns find places to grow amongst patches of ravine woodland,
grassland, scree and cliff still found among roads and buildings are
havens for flowering plants not found elsewhere in urban areas. Some
flowers you have to work harder to find and others wave hello in a
gentle breeze on the verges from the roadside.

As the frosts
begin to fade away spring brings with it a delight for the eyes with
pockets of wild Daffodil and long swathes of Primrose adorning the banks
of the roadside along the B852. Getting off the road and taking to the
trails at Inverfairgaig Forest and the small wood in lower Foyers you
will see woodland flowers come early in spring before the canopy
overhead closes again until winter. Carpets of Bluebells appear with
bursts ofWood Anemone here and there. As spring rolls on Ramsons
fill the woodland floor and fill the air with their pungently perfumed
aroma. Between April and June you can enjoy Yellow Flag Iris from the
roadside between Foyers and Whitebridge.

As the woodlands darken
verges, heathland and bogs come in to their full summer beauty drifting
numerous scents on the breeze. Bog Myrtle loses its leaves in the
winter and at the end of spring / beginning of summer sees its young
reddish leaves turn green again. As its name suggests it likes wet areas
to grow. Bog cotton can usually be found near by along with Bog Moss
with its rainbow of colours from red wine, orange, brown, pink and
green. Bright splashes of yellow and orange from Bog Asphodel and dusky
pink from the HeathMilkwort. Contrary to popular belief, boglands are not dreary places at all!

Small
patches of grassland and meadow can be found along South Loch Ness with
Wild Orchids in mid summer, Yellow Rattle, Cow Parsley, Dog Daisy and
Red Clover. Hugging the edges of woodland and hedgerows are Wild Roses,
Forget-me-nots and Foxglove. Foxglove also love to grow on bracken
slopes and are irresistible to bees. Higher above the Loch you will find
the carnivorous beauty Sundew glistening red in the sun waiting to
catch its next meal and Moss Campion close by with its pink starry
flowers and moss likefoliage.

As autumn comes the hills are a
blaze of purple with Heather in full bloom. The Brambles start to loose
their delicate white flowers as their fruits begin to appear. Yellow
Gorse gradually loose there bright yellow blooms as the frost start to
come bringing winter with them, it leaves us waiting for the first signs
of Snowdrops at the end of the winter.

Tomatin Distillery

Experience the 'softer side of the Highlands' at Tomatin Distillery, where you will find a range of tours and award winning malts. You can also enjoy our distillery film and our brand store where you can even fill your own bottle of one of our distillery exclusive single cask whiskies.

The Tomatin Distillery lies just 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9. If you would prefer to visit us from the South Loch Ness area directly, we can be reached in under an hour from most places via the B852, B862 and B851 roads which will join the A9 8 miles north of Tomatin.

Booking is highly recommended to guarantee your place on a tour.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Loch Ness Riding

Horse riding must be one of the best ways to
experience the nature of the Highlands of Scotland. You will discover places
that you would never find in a vehicle and you can cover more ground than you
would on foot. Horses are the ultimate “4 hoof drive”. They are also a
fantastically good stress buster!

Loch Ness Riding takes experienced riders only
out for hacks in the spectacular scenery of South Loch Ness, as well as
providing qualified tuition and training for BHS exams.. We offer small group
and private rides.

The Trail of the Seven Lochs

A 50 mile route above Loch Ness

Taking in stunning views and varied terrain suitable for both walkers and riders.

South Loch Ness Trail

A trail from Loch Tarff above Fort Augutus to Torbreck near Inverness

A brand new trail opened in 2011 and runs 28 miles up the beautiful and rural south side of Loch Ness.

Deer & Stag Spotting

There are
three deer species in South Loch Ness.

Two are
native i.e. Red and Roe Deer with Sika deer being introduced early
19th century in
several areas.

Loch Ness Spirits

Kevin & Lorien Cameron-Ross are Loch Ness Spirits and everything they create is born from their connection to Loch Ness and the land around it. Their family have lived on the banks of the loch for over five centuries and their knowledge, love and thorough understanding of the natural landscape fuels their passion and approach.

With great care, they produce premium spirits, using ingredients sourced from the surrounding area and the rich water of the loch. It’s this ethos of natural quality that makes their products taste as pure, refined and original as they do.

They release limited-edition handmade batches, and each and every one of their bottles is treated with the utmost respect for the ingredients, the process and their home.

The distillery is not open to the public. However, their office/shop is available by appointment. Please contact 01463 751773 or info@wearelochness.com for further information.

Rock Climbing

500ROCK CLIMBING IN THE SOUTH LOCH NESS AREA

South Loch Ness has
some 12 listed crags in the area grouped between Inverfarigaig and
Loch Duntelchaig and bounded to the south by the River Nairn. These
cater for Traditional Climbing (Trad), Sport Climbing (Sport), there
are also some popular bouldering locations (Bouldering).

The Wee Dram, Foyers House

At Foyers House we are proud to serve locally sourced produce.

Dinner is served from 7pm

Telephone for reservations: 01456 486405

In the evening you can relax and enjoy a home cooked meal in our fully licensed restaurant where we serve the famous Scottish Haggis with Whisky Sauce as well as a tempting selection of Traditional Highland foods including West Coast Salmon, Black Isle Venison and Orkney Beef.

The Bar at Foyers House is open from 6.30pm to 11pm.

Choose from over 100 Malt Whiskies or for those who prefer a beer we have a great selection of Scottish beers and local ales. Tea, Coffee and soft drinks are also available.

Food and drinks can be served on our terrace which has one of the highest and finest views over the Loch and mountains beyond, an ideal vantage point for Nessie spotting!

Dores Community Market

Dores Community Market takes place 4 times a year and brings together producers from all over the South Loch Ness area.

Inverarnie Stores, Farr

Make a mental note, if you are taking a holiday at South Loch Ness then you will need to know that we are at your service at Inverarnie stores.

Better still write our phone number and address in your diary and visit the shop anytime between the hours of:

7.30am and 6.30pm weekdays,

and

8.30am to 5.30pm at weekends.

Telephone Isobel for your requirements on 01808 521266

Libra Holistics

Libra Holistic's is the only Therapy Room on the South Side of Loch Ness. Offering Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Reiki and Reiki Training.

Whether you have been Climbing Mountains, Cycling or just want to Relax and Renew your energy while staying on the Southside of Loch Ness I tailor each treatment to suit your individual needs. There may be times when a combination of therapies are used to ensure you receive maximum benefit. I will discuss your needs before each session to ensure it is perfect for you, leaving you refreshed and de-stressed

Please go to my website to find out more information on the Therapies available. I work on an appointment only basis so please call or email to book an appointment.

Waterfall Café, Foyers

The Waterfall Café is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with a full Take-Away service available.

Community: a monthly coffee club (open to all) is held every 2nd Thursday of the month, 10am – 12 (not held during July & August).

Trees

Pockets of the Caledonian Forest can be found all the way along the South Side of Loch Ness. Scots Pine, Hazel and Birch are the most common tree’s you will find. There are also plenty of Oak, Rowan, Alder, Willow and Holly.

Amongst the forest / woodland there is a huge diversity of Lichens, Moses, Liverworts and Ferns growing over the damp woodland floor and trees. The air is so clean up here you can find many types of Lichen from Lungwort, Reindeer Moss, Script to Old Man’s Beard. Over the years humans have cut down a large proportion of the forrest. Along with the widespread introduction of sheep and grazing land and no natural predators left to keep deer populations down it has created an imbalance in the ecosystem which has majorly effected the regrowth of Scotland’s rainforest which once covered most of the highlands.

Around Loch Ness Tours

Your Complete Loch Ness Experience

Around Loch Ness is the perfect choice for a memorable visit to the Highlands of Scotland....... You can walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, get up close to the rich natural heritage and history of the area, or simply relax and take in our spectacular scenery. The choice is yours. We offer tailor made and pre-planned tours for small intimate groups of up to 8 persons. Our knowledgeable and cheerful local guides will be happy to welcome you on board and share with you an experience you will never forget. Looking for something different? We have the knowledge and experience and can tailor a tour or journey to meet your specific requirements. Our bespoke tours are ideal for small groups whether celebrating a special occasion, a corporate day out or arriving by cruise boat and looking to make the most of a visit to the Highlands. Your itinerary will be designed from scratch to your exact requirements. Your pick-up point can be your hotel, airport, landing port or other location of choice.

At Around Loch Ness we aim to enhance visitor experience by providing the highest levels of comfort, care and personal attention. Explore the Highlands with us and experience first hand its unique blend of history, wildlife and scenery.

Three Lochs Circuit

A varied walk through quiet countryside, taking in three Lochs of very different character.

Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours

Length: Approx. 12km

Difficulty: Easy relatively flat , good woodland paths. Some mud.

Falls Of Foyers

A short walk, but the Falls Of Foyers is a must see sight on South Loch Ness

Parking is available by the Waterfall Cafe and Stores. The waterfall walk starts on the opposite side of the road and is a clealy marked path down to 2 viewing points.

Duration: 1 hour

Length: Approx. 1km

Difficulty: Moderate, steep climb, good woodland paths. Some mud.

Ticket To Ride Bike Hire

Explore Loch Ness by bike with Ticket To Ride - Bike Hire!

The quiet roads to the south of Loch Ness are great for cycling and there are plenty off-road trails to discover too.

Our range of Specialized hybrid, road and mountain bikes is replaced each year and carefully maintained between each trip by fully qualified bike mechanics.

We will provide you with the best hire bikes and all the route information and advice you'll need to make sure your cycling trip is as adventurous or relaxed as you are.

Helmet, pump, lock and spares are supplied with every hire.

Discounts for multiple day hires.

Delivery and collection service also available.

Lyne Mhor Croft

We are
Adam and Jane Mason and we own a small working Croft here in
Gorthleck, in the heart of the Highlands overlooking the Monadhliath
Mountains. We aim to produce high quality Goat, Lamb, Hoggat and
Pork meat. Being small, we believe that helps with the welfare of
all the animals, individually. Our animals have 100% traceability
with their meats. They are born here, reared here and then sold on
as live animals or as meat – if you would like a price list and
availability please email us on the address below.

Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises and Tours

Multi-award winning year round attraction

Don't leave the magic of Loch Ness purely to the imagination -
experience the unique atmosphere of Scotland"s most enigmatic water with
a cruise or tour.

Established in 1973, Loch Ness by Jacobite has extensive
experience in creating memorable tourism experiences, particularly
through its range of cruises and tours.

Cruising the loch and Caledonian Canal, visiting Urquhart Castle and
the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition, enjoying on-board entertainment from a
drink at the bar to a full-scale celebration, Jacobite offers something
for everyone.

Make waves with Jacobite!

Dores Beach And Torr Point

A beautiful walk taking in some of the best and most iconic views of Loch Ness.

The walk starts from the Dores Inn car park and then makes it's way across Dores beach with stunning view sdown Loch ness. From the end of the beach make your way up onto the track and then follow this along the waters edge out to the far end of Tor Point. The path then curves round to the right and continues to follow Loch Ness down towards Aldourie Castle. From here the path doubles back towards Dores and arrived back behind Dores beach.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Length: Approx. 7km

Difficulty: Easy, relatively flat, good woodland paths. Some mud.

Name The Squirrel Competition

Name That Squirrel

Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve

Loch Ruthven is a RSPB reserve near Farr in the hills above Loch Ness.

This beautiful, tranquil loch is fringed by sedges and birch woods.
Visit in early spring, when our must-see bird, the rare Slavonian
grebe, looks its best in gorgeous red and golden plumage, the jewel of
the Highland Lochs. Spend time in the hide and watch their fascinating
behaviour. While you’re here you’ll also see ospreys, divers and toads.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Length: Approx. 3km

Difficulty: Easy, relatively flat, good woodland paths. Some mud.

Bird Life

With its mix of lochs, native woodlands and moorland, South Loch Ness holds a rich and varied birdlife. The real star is the Slavonian grebe, one of Britain’s rarest breeding birds with only about 30 pairs all on south Loch Ness – Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve is the best place to see them. Also keep an eye out on the lochs for fishing ospreys, a variety of ducks including wigeon and mergansers, and both red- and black-throated divers occur too but in low numbers.

The farmland still echoes to the cries of curlews and lapwings, rare sounds elsewhere and on the fringes of the moor look out for black grouse strutting around on their traditional display grounds. The hills aren’t the most dramatic in Scotland but are home to an increasing golden eagle population as well as some other birds of prey like merlins. Soaring red kites are also becoming an increasingly common site.

Astronomy / Night Sky

Scotland is fast becoming established as a
European mecca for stargazers. Low
levels of light pollution, particularly in the Highlands, give residents and
visitors access to fantastic dark skies, with breathtaking views of the Milky
Way and, occasionally, mesmerising displays of northern lights. Dark Sky discovery sites have been springing
up in the Highlands to capitalise on this, with nearby Abriachan Forest
recently granted Milky Way class status.

Photographs Copyright and used by kind permission of Jamie Fraser Fernweh Photography. and Claire Rehr.

Fungi

Fungi can be found all year round here but the best time to find lots of different varieties is inautumn.

The native, well-established woods of Scotland provide one of the richest fungal habitats in the whole of the British Isles. Larger fungi are generally confined to woodland and grassland ranging from lowlands to uplands. Moss beds are another great place to look for fungi as moss protects the fungus from desiccation and provides insulation and a damp environment which encourages fungal growth. But woodlands are the best place to look for fungi as they provide such varied places for them to live.

Each species has its own particular niche, be it on old wood, tree roots or simply gaining nutrition from the humus. The more species of trees and other flowering plants present, the more species of fungi are likely to be found. Some fungi are found only on certain parts of that host. For instance some grow only on the leaves, fruit or woody debris of a particular species, while others may be confined to large boughs or the finer twigs.

Some of the fungi you may come across on the South Side of Loch Ness are Shaggy Inkcap, Fly Agaric, Birch Polypore, Amethyst Deceiver, Turkeytail, Grey Spotted Amanita, Hedgehog Fungus, Cep and Chicken of the Woods to name a few.

Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat

Tazball is now the most commonly used and re-visited paintball & lazer combat arena in Inverness and the Highlands & Islands, run by a professional paintballer for the paintball enthusiast.

South Loch Ness Access Group

This recently established group has been set up to help improve access for horse riders and walkers on the South Side of Loch Ness.

Users will be encouraged to treat access responsibly, with respect to land and land owners, and to abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Recent projects include the development of a 50 mile route in the South Loch Ness area, which would include some new link paths - “The trail of the Seven Lochs”

Caledonian Discovery Cruising Holidays

Cruising activity holidays aboard our converted barge on the Caledonian Canal through the Great Glen.

We have 2 large holiday barges that cruise Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands of Scotland, providing a unique holiday experience amidst superb Highland scenery.

You can have a holiday of gentle relaxation or fun and adventure, it's up to you.

Optional outdoor activities include walking, cycling and watersports and in addition, on our themed weeks we offer wildlife, music and our very popular Walk the Great Glen week.

Accommodation is in twin ensuite cabins, food is freshly prepared by our resident cook and instruction for all activities is provided by a friendly, helpful instructor.

Visit our website at www.caledonian-discovery.co.uk for more information.

Your barge moves each day to a new location and guests can just relax aboard and enjoy the views or take part in a wide variety of fully inclusive outdoor activities.

The food is fantastic, freshly prepared by our resident cook.

Each barge has 6 twin cabins each with their own ensuite facilities to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests.

The friendly crew and home comforts are excellent. Many of our guests return again and again and still find new things to do and new places to explore. It's unique, it's relaxing and it’s every cruising holiday you want it to be, it’s the Caledonian Discovery experience!

We also run special interest weeks :

Walk the Great Glen - Coast to Coast 78 mile Long Distance Walk

4-day Mini Cruise

Music on a Classic Cruise

Wildlife - Moray Firth and The Great Glen or Loch Linnhe

Follow the link below to visit our website for up to date information.

Cameron's Tea Room And Farm Shop

A friendly welcome awaits

The Cameron's Tea Room & Farm Shop is now open for business on Glenlia Farm in the village of Foyers in the Highlands of Scotland.

It is situated a short stroll away from Camerons
Holiday Cottage between Inverness and Fort Augustus on the peaceful
South side of Loch Ness. Perfectly situated for refreshments while
staying in the holiday cottage. It is only a quarter of a mile from thefamous
Falls of Foyers waterfall.

Look out for the sign to Camerons Holiday
Cottage, Camerons Tea Room and the highland cattle in the fields.

The Craigdarroch Inn

A warm welcome awaits you at this friendly Highland Inn overlooking Loch Ness. Traditional wood paneling, high cornice ceilings and open log fires all help to create a special ambience.

The Craigdarroch Inn is run by Martin and Elinor Donnelly and their small team of friendly and helpful staff, who will endeavour to make your stay an enjoyable and relaxing break.

Sitting at the edge of a Highland forest and enjoying views over looking Loch Ness, The Craigdarroch Inn has large comfortable rooms all with en-suite bathrooms and most with views over the lovely Loch Ness lake.

The public areas are spacious and comfortable with the open log fires, an enviable whisky collection and real ales from The Orkney Brewery helping you to relax and unwind.

For those guests who want to keep in touch with work or friends then the free WiFi should come in useful.

opening hours:- same as usual, 11am to 11pm daily.

Fabulous loch view beer garden.

Food served 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8.30pm every day – reservations not required.

Caley Cruisers

Cruise Loch Ness &
the Caledonian Canal on board a fully equipped modern motor cruiser,
available for weekly and short break charter. Based in Inverness, Caley
Cruisers is the family business which pioneered holiday cruising on Loch
Ness and the Caledonian Canal in 1970. During our 45 years in
operation, we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the
splendours of the Great Glen.

No
previous boating experience is necessary as we provide a comprehensive
handover and 24 hour support service during your stay. Details of the
Caley Cruisers hire fleet, availability & prices, the cruising area
and the holidays we offer are available on our website. It is also
possible to place a booking online. However, please feel free to give us
a call or send an email, and we would be delighted to assist with any
queries.

Whichever
boat class you choose, you can be assured it will be the perfect
vantage point to explore 60 miles of one of Europe’s most stunning
inland waterways. The spectacular scenery, combined with a beautiful
cruiser and our first class service will ensure your holiday with Caley
Cruisers is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences you will
ever have.